Open MPTC’s

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The DSA have a ‘Performance Target’ that “In order to deliver the new EU motorcycle test [the DSA must] develop a network of off-road manoeuvering areas for motorcyclists; and by 29th September 2008, ensure that 51% or more of the population of Great Britain is within travelling time of 45 minutes to an MPTC or within 20 miles distance of an MPTC.”

The attached map shows those new test centres scheduled to be open as of the beginning of 2009.

MPTC's at Jan 2009

They also state that “To date DSA has acquired 44 sites”. (There are 66 planned)
In addition they have another 2 for which they do not have planning permission.

A point to consider:- If a government body such as the DSA cannot find enough manoeuvering areas to run the tests, then what chance do the Training Bodies have of finding suitable practice areas?

Implementation of “new” test

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Further to my last posting here are some links to the official communiques from the DSA on the subject.

No.1: “Extra Time Granted – - -”


No.2: “Improving Road Safety – - -”


No.3: “2009 Motorcycle Test”


No.4: “Important Information – - -”

No.5: This one is a link to a listing of all the projected test centres that you can click through on to find when/if they are opening.

No.6: This one gives their explanation of the “Benefits of the MPTC’s”, notice particularly item number 6 under “Better Service to the Customer”.

“OFF ROAD” TEST POSTPONED

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Dateline Thursday 11th September

Word has just come through that the changes to the Practical Riding Test that were due to be implemented from Monday 29h September have been postponed .

There is the message below on the DSA website to this effect:-

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Latest News

Extra time granted for new motorcycle test

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has announced a delay of six months to the introduction of the new practical motorcycle test, originally scheduled for September 29, 2008.

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There has been controversy as to the introduction of this test due to the fact that only just over half of the proposed test centres capable of delivering it would be open by the due date.

There are currently over 250 test centres available for motorcycle tests, not quite 50% of the total number of test centres, and this would have reduced to only 39 centres on the 29th of this month, as listed in the previous posting of this blog, with another 27 centres projected so cover in some parts of the country is sparse.

There is no word as to whether the £20 fee increase scheduled begin on 29th September to pay for the new test is also to be deferred.

MTPC’s

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As you know, at the end of this month the 250 odd motorcycle test centres across the UK are to close and all motorcycle tests are to be carried out at 66 new “Multi Purpose Test Centres” spread across the country.

The start up date for the new test at these new centres is Monday 29th September and it is admitted that only 39 of the new centres will be open for business.

A listing of where will and will not be open has been published and is shown here. The new test centre at Herne Bay should also be open by then.

(Click on the listing below to view an enlarged image)

Test Centre Listing

FREE specialist motorbike training

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rIDE rESPECT LOGOLO

Northumbria police are running four “Cornering Clinic” sessions FREE
Two of them are at County Hall, Morpeth on Saturday 30th August and Saturday 6th September and the other two in Washington at the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service HQ on Nissan Way, on Sunday 31st August and Sunday 7th September.

The poster for this event may be seen [ HERE ]

Contact For Further details:- call 03456 043 043 ext 69409